Stars Pour Into Fourth of July Pride in 2026

Stars share – With the U.S. preparing to mark its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Hollywood stars are once again stepping into the spotlight—sharing patriotic posts, reflecting on service members and veterans, and tying their public pri

The first thing Carrie Underwood shared wasn’t a speech or a stage moment—it was a video.

Last week, the 43-year-old country star posted an Instagram clip showing a massive, 1,800-American flag display along a fence near her Tennessee property. In the caption, Underwood wrote, “I can’t believe I get to live here. Thank you, Lord. #GodBlessAmerica #Grateful #TN.”

Her latest show of patriotism comes as the United States moves toward a milestone birthday: this year’s Fourth of July is the nation’s Semi-quincentennial. marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. 1776. Patriotic events and commemorations have been underway for over a year, with America 250 events taking place across the country.

Underwood has put her love for America into public view before. In January 2025, she performed “America the Beautiful” in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda during the inauguration of President Donald Trump. She performed the song a cappella after technical difficulties and told the crowd. “You know the words. help me out here.” Afterward. Underwood said in a statement. “I am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”.

She has also repeatedly honored veterans and military families. On Veterans Day in 2025. Underwood shared a throwback video from her 2006 USO tour overseas. in which she was seen shaking hands with a U.S. service member. “Throwing it back this Veterans Day,” she wrote. “Thank you to all that have served for your courage and dedication in protecting our freedom.”.

Gary Sinise brings that same theme—pride tied to service—into the spotlight in a different way.

At 71. Sinise has long been one of the most outspokenly patriotic actors in Hollywood. including through his work with U.S. Armed Forces. His advocacy is rooted in a career moment that shaped his public voice: starring as wounded Vietnam veteran Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 classic “Forrest Gump.” The Oscar-winning performance helped propel him into a decades-long push to support service members.

In 2003, Sinise formed a rock band inspired by his character in “Forrest Gump.” The Lt. Dan Band has performed hundreds of free concerts for troops globally, and it has participated in dozens of USO tours.

Sinise’s support became institution-based as well. In 2011, he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to support veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families.

In his 2019 memoir, “Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service,” Sinise wrote, “I love my country and I’m grateful to be an American,” adding, “I know where my freedom comes from.”

Around them, other stars have made similar points in their own styles—through music, themed projects, public remarks, or simply the kind of visible symbolism that travels quickly online.

Dolly Parton, 80, has celebrated America’s spirit of generosity, opportunity, and resilience for decades. She has frequently recognized military members and veterans and performed at major patriotic events. including the A Capitol Fourth Independence Day concert in Washington. D.C. in 2003. That same year. she released her album “For God and Country. ” dedicated to America and the military. featuring covers of national standards alongside originals like “Color Me America.” In a March 2026 promo video announcing her theme park Dollywood’s summer drone and fireworks show. Parton said. “I’ve said for many. many years that I am not a political person. but I am a very patriotic person.”.

Mark Wahlberg, 55, has described his life as an example of the American dream after overcoming a troubled youth. He regularly honors veterans and first responders while supporting organizations that serve military families, including the Wounded Warriors Project. Wahlberg has said the United States gave him a second chance.

Reba McEntire’s patriotism is tied to how she began. The 71-year-old country music star was discovered at age 19 when she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” a cappella at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma. McEntire has participated in USO initiatives and often pays tribute to veterans and active-duty service members on patriotic holidays. In 2024, she sang the national anthem at Super Bowl LVIII. In an interview with ABC News. she said. “I am honored beyond words to be chosen to get to sing it.” She added. “It means that I get to sing a very special song for all Americans. people all around the world who have really worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace.” McEntire then said. “It’s not about me. I’m the representation of this song, and I’m just honored to get to sing it.”.

Chris Pratt. 47. has described himself as “deeply patriotic.” He regularly shares messages of appreciation for America’s military members on Memorial Day. Veterans Day. and the Fourth of July. He has participated in USO events and has expressed gratitude for service members for protecting the nation’s freedoms. In 2023. Pratt delivered a keynote address at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pepperdine University. declaring himself a “deeply patriotic American” and calling on the nation not to let the spirit of unity fade.

Dennis Quaid. 72. has repeatedly spoken about patriotism. national unity. and appreciation for America’s history. describing the country as “the greatest country ever to be on Earth.” He has honored first responders and military members. calling them “America’s finest. America’s bravest.” In 2024. Quaid starred as 40th president of the United States in a biopic about Ronald Reagan’s life. During an interview with Fox News Digital. Quaid said he feels “lucky” to be an American

and has hope for the future of the country despite extenuating circumstances. “I was born in the greatest country ever to be on the Earth, to tell you the truth,” he said. He added. “When you look at it. as flawed as it is. it’s better than everything else that has come before. And. you know. I really believe in the wisdom of the American people as a whole.” Quaid continued. “We are the hope

of the world. still.”.

Patricia Heaton. 68. has displayed the American flag prominently in her home and has shared details of that pride in specific. personal terms. She has shown off her collection of historic parade flags and featured the flag that draped her father’s coffin from his service in the U.S. Army during the liberation of France in World War II. Heaton regularly supports veterans. military families. and charitable organizations serving those who have worn the uniform. and she has shared patriotic messages on Independence Day. Memorial Day. and Veterans Day.

Candace Cameron Bure, 50, has combined faith with patriotism. She often marks patriotic holidays with tributes recognizing the nation’s freedoms and the sacrifices of military members. and she has said she is “so proud to be an American.” In a 2016 interview with Fox411. Bure said. “We all have a vote.” She continued. “I think that is why this country is so great. because we all do have a voice here. and we have the

chance for opportunity here. ” adding. “We have the ability to love God here. I don’t ever want to see that taken away from us. We have freedom here. That is what makes America so great and that we have people that are willing to fight for that freedom on a daily basis.” Bure said. “I am so proud to be an American. I got lucky. My parents were born here, and I was born

here and that’s really the luck of the draw, right?. We can’t say where we are going to be born.” She also spoke about her husband. former professional NHL ice hockey player Valeri Bure. saying. “But at the same time. my husband is an immigrant.” She added. “He is Russian. and he came here and became an American because it is such a wonderful country. There is no other country I would want to be

a citizen of.”.

Kelsey Grammer, 71, has focused his patriotism on founding principles and the guidance of the Founding Fathers. He is starring as Lord Fairfax in “Young Washington,” which premieres on July 3, 2026, to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. Grammer has hosted several projects celebrating American history. including the Fox Nation series “The Patriot War” and “Kelsey Grammer’s Historic Battles for America.” He also serves as host of the NBC series “The Great American Journey.” In

a recent interview with Fox News Digital. Grammer said. “I do think the greatest hope for any future wisdom in America has already been written in the actions and words of our Founding Fathers.” He added. “We need to look to them for the guidance that they have. that we have today. to become the great nation that they dreamed of.” Grammer said. “We can share that dream. It’s a dream that still holds up.

It’s a dream that holds up for everyone. No matter what your origin is. the diversity that we all talk about. this is a unifying concept about what greatness is in a nation. and it has to do with us all being equal.” He finished with. “And it doesn’t mean there’s an equal result — it just means we have an equal opportunity to carve out our happiness.”.

Even in the background of the entertainment world, some tributes have taken on the weight of a personal story. The late Chuck Norris. who died at the age of 86 in March. was associated throughout his life with messages celebrating patriotism. faith. and civic responsibility. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who spent decades supporting military members and advocating for veterans’ causes. Norris was an outspoken conservative who authored the 2008 book “Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America” to champion traditional American values. He often referred to the United States as the greatest nation because of its freedoms and opportunities.

Jon Voight. 87. has spent years speaking publicly about his love for America and its founding ideals. frequently honoring members of the military and describing the United States as “the greatest country.” Voight has joined forces with prominent Hollywood figures—including Sinise. Clint Eastwood. and Mel Gibson—to participate in corporate and community initiatives designed to salute veterans. train veteran entrepreneurs. and promote veteran hiring. In recent years, he has continued sharing patriotic messages about preserving the nation’s values.

Sara Evans, 55, has supported the U.S. military through USO tours and performances for troops overseas. She honors veterans and first responders on patriotic holidays and has sung the U.S. national anthem at major sporting events. Evans also performed at the White House on the Fourth of July in 2018. which was televised as part of the Hallmark Channel’s Independence Day special.

James Woods, 79, has shared patriotic messages recognizing America’s history, military, and founding principles. He marks the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day with tributes to those who have served, and he has expressed admiration for the Constitution and the freedoms it protects.

Dean Cain, 59, has frequently spoken about American exceptionalism and national pride, encouraging Americans to celebrate the country’s founding values. He has participated in veterans’ events and patriotic programs and has defended traditional patriotic themes in popular culture.

Robert Davi, 75, has often spoken about his appreciation for America and its founding principles. Known for appearing at military and veterans’ events. Davi has praised the country’s freedoms and opportunities in past interviews. and has described patriotism as an important part of his personal values.

Between the 1. 800 flags near Underwood’s Tennessee property and the decades of performances tied to USO tours and veterans’ causes. the common thread is hard to miss: in this run-up to July 4. many of these public figures aren’t treating patriotism as a one-day ritual. Their messages travel—through songs. interviews. memoirs. and foundations—back to the same American story: freedom. service. and the idea that the nation’s ideals belong to everyone who lives under them.

For the United States, the date on the calendar is Saturday. For the stars lining up their tributes, the message is already set in motion—one post, one performance, one program at a time.

Fourth of July America 250 Declaration of Independence Carrie Underwood Gary Sinise patriotism veterans USO Dollywood fireworks Reba McEntire Mark Wahlberg